THE site of run-down tennis courts in West Harrow could be transformed in a tennis academy and boxing club.

Seven dilapidated courts at West Harrow Recreation Ground in The Ridgeway are in need of repair and cash-strapped Harrow Council has proposed to lease the land to a private company for 35 years to allow them to obtain permission for then construct the sports complex.

The decision was signed off by Councillor Tony Ferrari (Conservative), portfolio holder for major contracts and property, last month.

But yesterday that choice was successfully challenged by a group of cross-party council members who said the option had been taken without any consultation with residents or ward councillors and that not enough evidence had been presented to justify the decision,

The five Lib Dem and Labour councillors - led by West Harrow member Brian Gate (Labour) - said they were not against the tennis academy in principle but wished the decision to be more thoroughly reviewed.

Under the plans, the firm interested in the development would - at its own expense - not only revamp the courts but build changing rooms, a gymnasium, and a base for a local boxing club

In the winter, four of the tennis courts would be covered by a translucent bubble dome to ensure year-round use of the facility.

A council report into the existing seven tennis courts said: "They are currently in a poor state of repair and incapable of use without significant financial investment. "They require resurfacing, new fencing and new nets and the council does not have the financial resources to undertake this work. "Additionally, the council needs to secure the site to prevent it being a health and safety hazard."